Thailand Blog

Krabi

Krabi is a wonderful province with a spectacular coastline formed by a mix of natural features including limestone mountains, mangrove forests, beautiful beaches, and paradise-like islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi Don. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and now has an airport which serves international as well as domestic flights. The following is a list of the best places to stay in Krabi Province.

1. Ao Nang

There are plenty of romantic getaways in Thailand, but one that stands out is Koh Yao Noi in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. This island has managed to stay surprisingly undeveloped considering its closeness to Phuket and Krabi. From golden beaches on the east coast overlooking the breathtaking sea filled with limestone cliffs to a west coast lined with mangroves and rice paddies, this could be your next dream destination.

Krabi is a paradise of limestone karsts, golden beaches, and miles of beautiful mangrove forests — three features that are attracting millions of travelers every year. If you’re looking for things to do in this extraordinary province of Thailand, look no further! Here are 36 things to do in Krabi.

1. Do the Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach

Nong Thale Lake in the village of Nong Thale is quite off the beaten path 15 minutes north of the busy Ao Nang. The peacefulness during the sunrise is hard to beat anywhere in Krabi. While it’s not a tourist spot, it’s popular among Thai photographers — I’ve met photographers both early in the morning and late at night trying to capture the Milky Way.

Although it can be nice to sit at one of the seafront restaurants along the tourist strips with a Singha beer waiting for the Tom Yam Goong to hit the table, I prefer going local. My best food experiences in Krabi has been in places outside the hustle and bustle serving genuine local food. I highly recommend trying at least one of these restaurants on your trip to Krabi, but count on paying more than the random sidewalk restaurant — it’s so worth it!

Bankolek Riverside, Ao Nang

Koh Lanta in Krabi Province is a lovely island with rainforest-covered mountains and a long coastline with beautiful beaches. You might think that this is yet another busy island — but it’s not! Koh Lanta is known for its chill vibes and families come here to relax, sunbathe and swim. However, Koh Lanta is a highly seasonal destination, and the island pretty much shuts down during low season leaving the beaches uncleaned. So if you want to visit Koh Lanta, make sure it’s high season (December – April).

Between 1987 and 1990 the American Jim Carter choose to serve as Peace Corps volunteer in Lam Thap, Krabi working with the Thailand Department of Agriculture. My wife was born and raised in Lam Thap, and thanks to my blog our World Wide Web roads were crossed and Mr. Jim could share his amazing story with me. Back in the 80’s, it was just the most adventurous traveler who knew about Krabi, and Jim had the good fortune to visit some places that are hugely popular today. Below are some pictures I have been granted permission to share.

When holidaying Thais from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand want to experience genuine southern Thai food in Krabi, there are some obvious choices, and Ruan Thip is one of them. The menu is filled with delicious food like spicy and sour curries, seafood, stink beans, coconut soups and the signature dish kha moo tod which is a deep-fried pork leg.